Adventures In Stitchcraft - March 1937 Issue

I was reading a book about vintage knitting recently and it allowed me to finally put my finger on what I love so much about 30s patterns.


'The sense of humour apparent in the knitwear and crochet of the Thirties remains unrivalled. One could be amusing to look at, rather than beautiful.'


This is so true. Looking at patterns of the 30s, you can see it is all about the changes in details - frilly or puffy sleeves, big buttons, unusual collars or bows at the neckline, embellishments like embroidery or ribbons, so many interesting and fun options.


Here are some examples from the book, A Stitch In Time: Vintage Knitting and Crochet Patterns 1920-1949.

And just think - knit something from a vintage pattern and it will be a fair bet that no one else have the same garment! Vintage knitting is a great way to express your individuality.


Now let's take a look at the March 1937 (No 55) issue of Stitchcraft.

Another gorgeous jumper on the cover. Red is so striking.

This is a twinset of a high-necked jumper with a matching cardigan.

Fashions from Paris correspondent, Anne Talbot



Look! Same basic idea as the vintage style coat I am making. Pretty sure grandbaby needs a dress as well!

Some simple handwork to add a touch of glamour to a purchased garment.



Lady Morris adores dancing, the round of theatres, all of Society's brilliant functions. She loves sports too. She rides, swims, even plays squash. Indeed, her days are just as strenuous and busy as your own. Yet, whether you see her in the sun at Cannes or in the bold daylight of London, you are amazed at the fresh rose-petal beauty of her skin.

Mary is making candies this issue - make some of these for your next bridge party!

Who knew this existed in 1937? Not me!

Not sure I want to know what the ingredients of this were!



I would love to decorate a house in 30s and 40s style. My grandparents had armchairs exactly like these and I remember spending many a weekend curled up in one, reading.

I think for this issue it will have to be the two year old's knitted dress. Just so wonderful that it matches the coat in style, although I don't plan on making it in the same yarn.

And I just love the descriptions from the magazine. For this dress:

'Dress-sense cannot be learned too young! So the lady on the opposite page is taking an early lesson by wearing a chic woollen dress in pale pink with a bunny wool collar and revers. The double-breasted front with its six big pearl buttons has quite a grown-up look; and a narrow belt gives a decided waistline, because we know that most of us at two years old don't have waists anyhow and something's got to be done about it!'

Indeed! Although I agree that it wouldn't hurt us to have a bit more class/style nowadays!

The pattern calls for 4 oz of Paton's Super Scotch Fingering 4ply and one ball of Fuzzy-Wuzzy Angora (which is also 4 ply). Not sure if I want to make the neck section in Angora; it may be too irritating for little ones. So I will probably just use two different colours of 4ply. I have LOTS of 4ply in my stash to choose from - you can take a look here, if, like me, you enjoying spying on other's stashes!

As for the rib jumper from the February 1937 issue, here is the progress to date.

Hmm, not a great deal of progress as yet! 4ply really does knit up slowly in an adult jumper!


See you next week!